Orofacial Myofunctional Services for Adults and Children

 

  Discover the health and dental benefits of nasal breathing and healthy facial function for kids and adults.  Learn about the link between facial habits and total body health!  Looking for a myofunctional therapist near you or do you want online Myofunctional Therapy sessions?  I am here to help you reach your goals of eliminating digit sucking habits, eliminating tongue thrust swallow and become a nasal breather with healthy facial function.    Who knew how important nasal breathing and tongue rest posture is!  It is my passion for you or your child to enjoy the basics of life: breathe, drink and eat!  

Myofunctional Therapy is fun at Facial Function! 

What are Myofunctional Therapy sessions like? 

First let’s start with the WHY and WHAT is your concern.  Do you breathe through your mouth?  Do you feel like your tongue pushes against your teeth?  Do you feel like you have a hard time swallowing pills? Do you snore or wake up unrefreshed? Have you been diagnosed with a tongue-tie and want a functional assessment, pre/post wound care support? Do you want to achieve more range of motion of your tongue?

The first appointment can start with a no charge online visit to address your questions.  After a comprehensive evaluation weekly sessions are individualized for you to assist you to reach the goals established. Many clients have told me how much they value the feeling of confidence and understanding of how to breathe well and be well with healthy facial function!

If you are looking for a professional who really cares and understands your problem, Cheryl Shafer is the person to see. I suffered terribly with speech, swallowing, facial numbness, pain, and tingling in my face due to TMJ issues for 3 long years. After the first appointment with Cheryl I was already on my road to recovery. Not only is she highly skilled in her field of myofunctional therapy, but her attention to detail and her ability to get to the source of the problem sets her apart from any other doctor/therapist I have ever seen, and I have seen about 8 medical professionals with no success! She genuinely wants to get to the root of your problem, and she takes lengthy time in researching and listening to your painful journey to determine a recovery plan. We need more therapists like Cheryl, and I would highly recommend anyone to see her. Without a doubt, I would not be feeling as good as I do today without her care, knowledge, and concern for my general well-being. She is a gem in a confusing sea of medical professionals who often offer unfavorable solutions. I only wish I had found her sooner! She certainly has my utmost gratitude and respect for completing my journey to finding answers and a solution to my puzzling problems. If you have a myofunctional facial problem, Cheryl Shafer should be top on your list.

Kathy

Testimonials

You learn something new every day. If you have kids, all you need to do is look at your photos to be enlightened. Since I knew nothing about this concept, I am so glad Cheryl Shafer noticed one of my boys could use her help.
Cheryl is now doing therapy with him to stop thumb sucking, and correct many other poor oral positional habits. When he does get braces someday, the bad habits will be gone and the teeth will stay put. If you don’t fix the habits that are causing the pressure on the bones and teeth, you will not keep the results from the braces. That’s a lot of $ down the drain. Trust me, my parents paid for me to have braces 3 times.

Cheryl is dedicated and enthusiastic in her approach to assist my daughter in the elimination of her tongue thrust habit. She is kind, professional and knowledgeable in her field.

My 7-year-old son had sucked his thumb since our first sonogram and hadn’t ever been able to kick the habit for good. We had tried every program, device, and gadget under the moon for years without success. Cheryl Shafer used her “Way to Go!” program and helped him quit in only five short weeks. Her support through the progress was amazing!

I would highly recommend Cheryl to your practices. She is so passionate about helping kids feel empowered to help themselves. She would be a great asset to your team.

Meet Cheryl, Certified Orofacial Myologist and Speaker

Cheryl Shafer has a passion to teach and assist you to learn how healthy nasal breathing and oral rest habits can impact your life. She  has a BS in Health Education from Florida State, has worked as a Registered Dental Hygienist in CA, FL and MD, and is a Certified Orofacial Myologist through the International Association of Orofacial Myology.  It is her passion to educate the dental team on the importance to screen, educate and advocate during dental visits.  She has motivational presentations for dental association meetings, study groups and at colleges.

Combining years of experience providing comprehensive dental care and a personal experience with her own family who had Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders has resulted a journey of continuous learning and working collaboratively with other healthcare providers to help patients understand the benefits of eliminating Oral Facial Myofunctional disorders, such as finger and thumb sucking habits, tongue thrust habits, mouth breathing and improper oral rest habits.  All in a fun, safe and nurturing environment.

Cheryl crossed my path and knew from that moment she was meant to be in my life. I surround myself with professionals who succeed in education beyond bare minimum requirements and carry a love for prevention, Cheryl is no different. An ambitious woman who craves to share her love as a prevention specialist with one objective: To save the lives of our patients.

Cheryl is a passionate, influential speaker and leader in our community. I am impressed with her wealth of knowledge that she has confidently shared with our local professional study club creating the largest crowd we have yet to host and guests still raving about her course.
-Tiffany Harrison, RDH, BS
Founder of Scaling Up Study Club

Tethered Oral Tissue,  Tongue-Tie Specialized

 

Cheryl has advanced training in tethered oral tissue (tongue-tie) and pre/ post frenectomy care. She has trained under many of the leaders in the field and has teamed with preferred providers to work collaboratively to help you reach your goals of increased range of motion and function of your tongue.

 

Habit Elimination Program

The Habit Elimination Program is customized for your child, structured to empower them to accomplish their goals of eliminating the thumb or finger sucking habit.  The program is 4 weekly sessions and lots of fun!

View Office

 

Facial Function office setting is a warm and comfortable environment to feel empowered, laugh and learn about how to reach your goals of health and wellness.

Offices in Ellicott City and Western Maryland,  9404 Tiller Dr. Ellicott  City, Maryland 21042